Boot latch + electrical issues

[El Canon]

Hi Folks,
First time poster! (please be gentle.) I've been stalking through the forums for some time.

My wife and I have a 2006 Mini Cooper S. What a great ride. Lately, it's been causing us some trouble, and I was wondering if anyone else has experienced similar issues.

1. Boot latch - suddenly, the electronic trunk release became inoperable, causing us to have to utilize the emergency release under the rear seat to release my wife's bag and groceries. It's been a very cold winter.

2. Engine temp sensor - twice on a drive last Saturday, the temperature gauge rose to max, the warning light flashed, and an extra cooling fan (?) turned on. This lasted about 60 seconds and the temperature returned to normal. I checked the coolant level = normal. No visible leaks of coolant.

3. Other electrical weirdness - if you leave the turn signal engaged while shutting off the MINI, the light remains on (but not blinking.)

4. Shuddering at idle - when the air conditioner is on during the summer months, the engine will sometimes shake and shudder. It doesn't seem to be related to the compresson.

Are these "normal" Any and all insight you have would be awesome. He's going back to our dealer soon (MINI of Peabody), who is generally great. However, the MOP techs have not been able to replicate #4.

I appreciate the expert advice and info. here and really enjoy our MINI.
Cheers
brian

[crofty136]

i had problems with my boot latch when it was really cold before xmas but i didnt do anything with it and it has been fine since

[dakini]

i also have an 06 MCS, and mine has recently started doing number 1, but it was only when we were having buckets of rain. i let it dry out a couple of days, and it was back to normal, so i assume it has to do with rain getting in to the electronics on the hatch.

i haven't been fussed to really work on figuring it out though ...

for number 2, my old car (not a mini) did that, and it was a sign that the water pump was about to go ... i'd have that looked at. it suds like it's either a failing water pump, of a problem with the thermostat.

3 is a cool trick ... i have no idea!

and for 4 ... i have no idea either. and it's going to be a while before i run my air conditioner again, especially since we have a foot of snow right now.

[El Canon]

Thanks for the responses. The trunk latch has started working again... but intermittently. The "humidity in the electronics" theory seems plausible, it seems to happen during inclement conditions. Hmm, I wonder if this could also relate to wacky feedback from the temp. sensor.

[rec]

Quote: Originally Posted by El Canon (original)

3. Other electrical weirdness - if you leave the turn signal engaged while shutting off the MINI, the light remains on (but not blinking.)

holy thread resurrection batman !

these are parking lights.

[tcbw]

Quote: Originally Posted by El Canon (original)

Thanks for the responses. The trunk latch has started working again... but intermittently. The "humidity in the electronics" theory seems plausible, it seems to happen during inclement conditions. Hmm, I wonder if this could also relate to wacky feedback from the temp. sensor.

The boot (trunk) gets stuck if I wash the car, and it's cold (below freezing) and I don't slam the lid shut ... seems happy enough to release itself once I'm parked in a warm garage, unless it pops open on the way to the office.